Democratic incumbent State. Rep. Darryl Scott looks to hold off Republican challenger Sam Chick in the state House of Representative race for the 31st District.

By Antonio Prado

Democratic incumbent State Rep. Darryl Scott is running for re-election based on the legislation he has passed to enhance quality of life for Delawareans while Republican challenger Sam Chick believes the state House of Representatives could use a fiscally conservative voice to do away with wasteful spending.

Scott points to his legislation that created scholarships for students, tax incentives to attract new businesses and jobs to Delaware, protections for seniors and efforts to make roads safer through legislation that outlawed texting and driving as evidence that he could continue to serve constituents in the House's 31st District, which serves downtown and western Dover.

"I am running for re-election to continue my efforts to make government more efficient, providing us with the dollars necessary to invest in local economic development efforts, education and the quality of life in Dover and central Delaware," Scott said.

Chick said he was running for public office as part of the desire to serve his community, a responsibility instilled in him by his parents. That desire to serve took him to volunteering in community service organizations, serving in the U.S. Army and now seeking office as a state representative.

Chick replaced former GOP candidate Ron Poliquin, who ended his campaign against Scott in July to focus on his family after the Supreme Court of Delaware suspended his ability to practice law for six months due to prior problems with clients.

"In the face of economic distress, Dover deserves a representative who will focus tirelessly on bringing back jobs and fixing the economy," Chick said. "In the face of government scandals, Dover deserves a representative who will speak out against corruption and hold the guilty accountable. In the face of staggering debts and reckless spending, Dover deserves a representative who will use their tax money wisely and frugally."

As the incumbent, Scott said he had had the opportunity to develop relationships with constituents, had become aware of issues within the districts and had helped find solutions to constituent concerns.

"As an incumbent, I have a voting record that both enables voters in the 31st the opportunity to determine how I am representing them on issues of importance as well as my positions on matters impacting the district and the state as a whole," Scott said. "My hope is that when voters look at both candidates' positions on the issues and my record of accomplishment they will re-elect me."

However, Chick said his biggest advantage over Scott was his opponent's record.

"Out of more than 400 bills that made it to the floor in the last session of the General Assembly, Mr. Scott voted no on just five bills," said Chick, whose campaign motto is Pick Chick. "The people of Dover need a legislator who will give serious consideration to each and every bill, who won't be afraid to say no and who will be more than a 'yes-man' for the establishment elites of a political party."

Scott countered that he had been successful in achieving the goals laid out in past campaign promises and wanted to continue his service.

"I am proud of the accomplishments that include the creation of the Inspire scholarship and extended funding for the SEED scholarship that together provided thousands of Delaware students the opportunity to attend college, tax incentives to bring new businesses and ultimately more jobs to Delaware," he said.

Chick said he intended to serve all people of Dover, regardless of their political affiliation.

"I think that my devotion to service, youthful energy, and commitment to respond promptly to every citizen I represent will carry the election," he said. "On November 6th, please pick Chick! The voters of the 31st should vote for me on election day because I will be the hardest working representative in Delaware."

Chick urged constituents to email him or call him with questions.

Scott, for his part, also urged residents to write to him or telephone him. He also

pointed out that this was the first general election that would be held after the redistricting process was completed in 2011. As such, residents may end up voting in a new location. Scott urged them to refer to their voter registration card or visit http://pollingplace.delaware.gov/ to verify their polling place.

"It has been a pleasure to meet constituents new to the 31st district."